CLICHÉ of Malaysians

CLICHÉ 

Definition of CLICHÉ

1

: a trite phrase or expression; also : the idea expressed by it

2

: a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation

3

: something (as a menu item) that has become overly familiar or commonplace

A cliche is not just something that lots of people say; It's something that lots of people say and it conveys some sort of idea or message. A cliche is, in other words, a metaphor characterized by its overuse.

A cliche is an analogy characterized by its overuse. It may be true ('Fat as a pig'), no longer true ('work like a dog') or inscrutible ('right as rain'), but it has been overused to the point that its sole function is to mark its user as a lazy thinker.

I am not quick to catch on Cliches used by people around me. I am often the last to know what it means or could mean and how to use them. Take for example,

• Aramati - Lets drink away ! I thought it meant Happy Hour but actually it means drinking sessions.
• Ini kali lah! - I have no idea what this means when my friends started using it, I started using it but they gave me stern warning about its hidden meaning. Only when I watched the Opposition Parties speeches then only I understood what it mean. The Cliche used by Opposition Party against the current ruling party.
• Boleh bah kalau kau ! - When I first heard it, I thought its a tongue twister or motivation phrase. Later I found out it could be sarcastic, making fun and used in negative manner.

Whether we like it or not, Cliches in life are many and they surface daily in conversations. Knowing how to use them will be handy. I predict the following Cliches will become steadily popular and well-known :-

• Listen! Listen! Listen! - Demanding audience full attention to what you are going to say.

I agree that Cliches are often overused and becoming meaningless or it does not carry your actual meanings. But it is cool to do !

Here is an interesting videon on how to use "Bah !"